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Dysentery. Twelve cases were notified in 1959, compared
with two cases in 1958. All were of the Sonne type.
Sonne Dysentery is a highly infectious form of gastroenteritis.
The infection is spread by faecal contamination of
hands, objects, and, in particular, lavatory seats. Prevention
depends on the washing of hands after use of the w. c. and on the
efficient cleansing of communal W.Cs. in schools and public
places.
It is most desirable that all cases of diarrhoea should be
checked bacteriologlcally.
Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fevers. No case was notified.
Meningococcal Infections. Three cases were notified. All
were in infants under one year of age. Two occurred in January
in different parts of the Borough, and no connection could be
traced. The third occurred in December. One of the January
cases died.
Poliomyelitis. No case was notified in 1959, which was the
first year free from this infection since 1944. This was in spite
of a hot dry Summer which has usually been associated with a
higher incidence of this disease. It is probable that poliomyelitis
vaccination has played a big part.
During the year approximately nine thousand, seven hundred
and sixty two persons were vaccinated against Poliomyelitis in the
following groups.
(1) Children 6 months to 15 years 2612
(2) Young people 15 to 26 years 6652
(3) Other priority groups 498
In addition, eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty persons
received third injections.
Pneumonia. There were forty three deaths from Pneumonia in
1959, compared with twenty seven in 1958. Sixty seven cases of
Pneumonia were notified in 1959, compared with thirty four in
1958. Forty six were cases of Influenzal Pneumonia.
Non-Notifiable Diseases. School teachers reported thirty
two cases of Mumps, thirty two cases of Chicken Pox, nine cases
of German Measles, and five cases of Glandular Fever. School
returns are a useful index of the prevalence of non-notifiable
diseases and are a basis for consultation with the school medical
officer.
Infestations. Four cases of Scabies, seven cases of
infestation by head lice and one case of pubic lice were treated
during the year. The total number of treatments was thirty.
International Certificates of Vaccination. Six hundred and
eighty two International Certificates of vaccination were
scrutinised and authenticated for six hundred and fourteen
persons during the course of the year.
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